Denmark, known for one of the harshest integration policies in Europe, is a step further in the fight against face blocking. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced the extension of the ban on burca and nikab in force since 2018 to educational institutions – schools and universities.
What does the law say?
As of August 2018, Denmark has a ban on wearing "burqa ban" in public places. It applies not only to burqa and nicab, but also to masks, ski mask or artificial beards. Exceptions concern only safety, health or carnival considerations.
For breaking the ban there is a penalty – from 1000 Danish kronor (about PLN 580) at the first offence, up to 10,000 kronor at the recidivism.
New exacerbation
Prime Minister Frederiksen stated that limiting the ban to public space was a mistake. The government is preparing a bill that is to enter into force in 2026 and completely ban face blocking in schools and universities.
"Burki, nicaby and other face-covering curtains have no place in the Danish school class," stressed Minister for Immigration and Integration Rasmus Stoklund.
Law supporters
Supporters stress that people living in Denmark should "to adapt to culture or leave". In their view, face blocking is a symbol of separatism and hinders integration, communication and building a coherent society based on Danish secular values and gender equality.
Background
The decision fits into the wider policy of Danish social democrats, who have been leading a hard line towards radical Islam for years. Denmark For years, he has been using "ghetto laws" (special regulations for problematic districts) or tightened immigration regulations.
Critics (mainly Left and Muslim organizations) talk about discrimination and violation of religious freedom. Supporters point out that it is not attack Islam, but defending the Danish model of society.
